Myrna Lucy Kalenith (nee Hnatiuk)

Jun 23, 1938 – Jan 6, 2018Myrna Lucy Kalenith (nee Hnatiuk) passed away in her sleep in her home at Scotty Creek, BC on January 6, 2018. She was 79.

She was born on June 23, 1938 in Foisy, AB (although government records show her birth date as August 23). She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Alf, her sons, Rex and Earl, her daughter, Wendy Bell, 7 grandchildren, one greatgrandchild, and her sister Marie Zacher .

She was predeceased by her parents, Terenty and Teodosia Hnatiuk, brothers Jan, Alex and Nick Hnatiuk, and sisters Lillian Goryniuk and Ann Gulevich.

She grew up in Two Hills, AB and learned Ukrainian as her first language. Her many careers included work as a practical nurse, waitress, hairdresser and hospital cook. She was an extremely hard worker and had an incredible tolerance for pain.

Her greatest joy was her family and friends. She had a ready smile and a quick laugh. One example, always cherished and often repeated by Earl, was when Myrna convinced him to greet his Ukrainian language university professor with a phrase Myrna taught him. On seeing the professor’s shocked response, Earl learned from the professor that he had just said “thank you, up yours”. Myrna’s spirit will live on through many cherished memories.

As she wished, she will be cremated and there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any charity of choice.